Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan has updated Vietnamese intellectuals in Canada on changes in Vietnam’s policies on science and technology during his visit to the North American country.

Speaking before about 80 Vietnamese intellectuals at the Vietnam House in Ottawa on August 20, the minister underlined the new points in the revised Law on Science and Technology adopted by the National Assembly last year.

They include stipulations on financing mechanism and procedures for science-technology activities. In addition, State-owned enterprises are required to set aside part of their pre-tax profits to run a fund for research.

The minister also informed the overseas Vietnamese about the Vietnamese Government’s policy to give priority to several highly competitive sectors, including rice, vaccine production, mushroom planting and pangasius breeding.

He hailed the Vietnamese intellectuals in Canada for their achievements and expressed wish that they can come back to contribute to national development when conditions permit.

Minister Quan said his visit to Canada this time aims to seek a cooperation agreement in science and technology between Vietnam and Canada.-VNA